Alternator Failure Warning
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 372
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Alternator Failure Warning
I wrote a while ago about my alternator failing on a recent trip. I don't recall getting any indication on the instrument panel that there was a problem. The truck just died on the interstate and would not start again. It was obvious that the battery was completely run down. Shouldn't the battery light come on immediately after the alternator fails and shouldn't there be enough juice in the battery to allow the engine to run a few miles?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 780
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Yes, Yes.
I would check for a blown bulb, possibly a blown fuse or broken wire in the Alt. harness. You can usually check the warning lights by turning the key to the on (not start) position. With the key on and the engine not running, you should see the bat/alt warning light. (Some say "GEN").
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,845
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From: No.Va.
Since you don't know when the alt. started failing,you did run on battery power for a while.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
yup, do the quick check with the key in run position and see if the light shows. That is the self check.
As for the running on battery power for awhile. I suspect you ran 10-20 miles on before it was gone.
Everything is electircal dependant nowadays. Fuel system is your biggest draw. Can't run like the trucks of 30 years ago.
As for the running on battery power for awhile. I suspect you ran 10-20 miles on before it was gone.
Everything is electircal dependant nowadays. Fuel system is your biggest draw. Can't run like the trucks of 30 years ago.
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
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Thanks for the responses! I checked the instrument lights with the key in the ON position and the battery light does come on. So that must be OK. I was about 900 miles into my 2000 mile trip so there is a good possibility that I just didn't notice the battery light, especially if it would have only been on for about 20 miles. That particular stretch of Texas interstate had an 80 mph speed limit.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 435
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From: Brunswick, Maryland
Nobody mentioned the amp gauge. It should have shown that the alternator had quit. I look at my gauges when I'm driving.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
I don't think any year of SD had an amp gauge. VOLTAGE gauge, yes. Which would show low if the alt is not charging.
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